The 4th Round of the Munster Club U16 Conference 3 saw Clon travel to Bantry RFC. Clon were looking to consolidate their second place in what has been a strong league campaign to date.

Bantry won the toss and elected to play against the elements in the first half, challenging Clon to build a score. The opening exchanges saw a dominant Clon control the ball and work through the phases. Big gain line carries from Aaron Donovan, Gearoid O’Donovan and Eoin Murphy were well presented and delivered to the impressive Eoin Downey at 10, who mixed the territorial and running game superbly.

Clon’s early dominance paid off when Tyler Abbey-Henning hard running saw him crash over after a five phase build up had stretched Bantry defense and taken play deep inside Bantry’s “22”. Converted by Eoin Downey Clon were now in a deserved 7 -0 lead.

The expected response came. Bantry upped the tempo of the game, changing the point of attack and stretching the red & green defense on numerous occasions. However defensive work has been a focus in Clon training sessions of late and following 15 minutes of sustained pressure Clon’s defense was still standing firm.

Luke McCarthy and Eoghan Fergusson controlled the backline who worked as a unit to reorganize and match Bantry’s attacking numbers after each phase.

The quality and physicality of defensive tackles from the likes of Rory White, Luke McCarthy, Cian Downey, Aaron Donovan, Eoin Murphy and Cameron Coone, left Bantry in no doubt that Clon wanted this game.

Bantry were starting to run out of ideas against a stout defense and Clon started to win possession. They built again to set up camp well inside Bantry’s territory. A lovely “Tip” ball put Tyler through a well created hole in Bantry’s defense to put Clon into a 14 – 0 lead.

Clon were flying now. They controlled the kickoff and attacked again. A backline attack saw Liam O Connell stopped short. He stayed on his feet and fed Eoin Downey on the wraparound down the blindside to score. Half time soon followed and Clon led 19 – 0.

They would now face the elements in the second half.

It is at times like this you see the real character coming out in players. Rory White was incredible, working his socks off, tackling, counter rucking and running until his lungs were burning. Cameron Coone and Cillian McDonnell were their usual selves, throwing themselves at Bantry jerseys and refusing to take a backward step. Conor Ryan began to exert his presence with some powerful runs.

A succession of “debatable” penalties saw Bantry go over for a converted try to make it 7 -19.

Bantry kept coming at Clon but it was Clon who with a higher work rate were winning the contact area and doing massive work in the tight exchanges. When in possession Clon’s decision making was excellent as they backed themselves, keeping possession and carrying the ball over the gain-line through multiple phases.

Adam Crawford was always a threat with ball in hand and attacked and defended with power. Tomas O Suilleabhain, Barry Spearman Walsh and the lads who came off the bench Ciaran McCarthy, Ross O’Donovan, Adam Asare, Jim Twomey and Grattan Neville all played their part in this very strong team performance.

Great credit is due to Bantry who never threw in the towel and kept working in an effort to get back into the game. The last five minutes were played out in a welter of excitement, with both teams scrambling like scavengers for possession of the oval ball.

Clon would simply not roll over and deserved the victory. Well Done Lads!

Clon are now second in the league with two rounds to play.

The next fixture is a friendly v Sundays Well at home this Sunday ko 11.30.